First Baptist Church - Video Sermons

James 5.13-20 - In Sickness, Prayer

Relentless struggles of pain, fatigue, and the weight of pain carry such burden on the one who daily endures illness. Being sick even for a little can bring with it a lot of irritability and the feeling of being overwhelmed, let alone enduring a long illness. The answer is the same as affliction and joy, to pray. James here isn’t just speaking of physical illness alone, but the immense heaviness of spiritual sickness. How it separates us from God, and bears a burden most people don’t recognize they carry alone.

James 5.13-20 - In Joy, Prayer

We turn to prayer in many moments of our days and lives. Yet the most often forgotten moment to turn towards God is in our times of joy. When the emergencies are met and the needs are abated our God takes a back seat in our lives as the crisis has passed and our joy complete. These are the moments we absolutely must turn to God in prayer, to praise His name and rejoice in Him. To set in our minds that this is not the work of self or man, but the gift of God in our everyday life.

James 5.13-20 - In Affliction, Prayer

Pain seems to be a constant in this life. The first time the word is used occurs in Genesis where Eve’s “pain” is multiplied greatly in childbirth. Pain is something we often go to greater painful efforts to avoid. But pain is a blessing as well. It tells us that something is wrong. Pain makes us aware of medical attention, tells us that touching fire is dangerous, and teaches us our limitations. Pain reveals the sinfulness of this world. What should we first do when we are afflicted physically, emotionally, or mentally with pain? Pray!

Elder Pedro Ruiz - 1 Peter 1.8-9

Peter points out the similar situation we are in to the prophets, that though we do not see Him (Jesus) we love Him. Yet now we can see a little more tangible than the prophets for He has revealed Himself through His Word, Spirit, and people. What they saw in part, we can see more clearly, until the day we see Him face to face.

Acts 18.5-11 - Only Wanna Be With youPaul finds respite in Corinth. 18 months of ministry with the whole team together. Although initially troubled over his rejection after preaching in the synagogue, God offers comfort in His word and presence, “I Am with you.” are powerful words that speak not only to comfort and encourage Paul, but to us in every situation.

Acts 18.1-4 - An Ordinary Couple

After Athens, Paul finds himself in Corinth where he will spend the next 18 months planting and nurturing a church. While there he works alongside a tentmaking couple, Aquila and Priscilla. This couple boasts nothing but Christ Himself and sets an example of how being an ordinary Christian can bring extraordinary results.

Acts 17.16-32 - Into the Unknown

Athens stands as one of the most powerful and influential Greek cities that has come under the authority of Rome. This has resulted in a loss of their reputation as warriors who rival Sparta, but a heavy pouring into their arts and philosophies. It is a city shaped by its past and constantly pursuing knowledge.

Acts 17.10-15 - Hound Dog

Paul and Company, having left the persecutions of Thessalonica, find themselves in a very welcoming synagogue in Berea. Yet they are still hunted by the previous town residents who have followed them over 40 miles to stir up another riot. When the attacks keep coming, how can we respond?

Acts 17.1-9 - Some of My Lies are TrueAlthough what Paul and team find in Thessalonica is further persecution, it is the church that is targeted when Paul cannot be found on the premises. Even though they suffer and will suffer much persecution, the church of Thessalonica develops a reputation amongst all the churches for their faithfulness to Christ our Lord.

Acts 16.25-40 - Jailbreak

Acts 12 is an interesting parallel to this story. While Peter’s earthquake provided a means of escaping the death sentence of Herod, Paul’s earthquake provides a means of saving the life of a jailer and bringing the Gospel into his house. God uses each of us and our circumstances as He wills and for His purpose.

Acts 16.16-25 - Go Away Little Girl

Luke presents 3 interactions with others in the city of Philippi. We began with Lydia, a gentile God-fearing merchant. Now our attention is drawn to a young girl possessed by a spirit who taunts Paul with proclamations that he is a prophet. But not all publicity is good publicity as Paul and Silas find themselves in the stocks.

Acts 16.12-15 - Purple Rain

This is the only mention of Lydia in the entirety of the Bible, but she has left a lasting impression throughout Christain history. Who was this “Seller of Purple”? And what lessons can we learn from this brief glimpse into her life as Paul and company continue in their calling to reach the gentiles?

Acts 16.6-12 - Follow That Dream

God commissions Paul to reach the Gentiles but then restricts him twice as Paul seeks to fulfill this will. Only when presented with a vision is Paul able to discern God’s specific will. The questions then becomes: How can I discern the will of God? In the general sense, quite easily; in the specific sense: only faithfully.

Acts 16.1-5 - Faithfully

Although relatively young, Timothy has been making an impact in his hometown of Lystra and even neighboring Iconium, as one who faithfully presents and honors the Gospel. Timothy will remain with Paul for almost the entirety of his ministry, only departing to help the local church and preach the good news.

Acts 15.36-41 - Brothers Gonna Work It Out

Fighting was a normal part of growing up in a family of 4 brothers. When things got heated it was a matter of separating, cooling off, and coming back with a different perspective. Paul and Barnabas, brothers in Christ, are in a fight over the next missionary journey, but brothers have to work it out.

Acts 15.13-35 - Shut Em Down

Reaching the conclusion of the debate session, James now speak out with a judgment that the Apostles are in agreement for. There will be no compromise to the Gospel, all are saved by faith alone. There will be compromise between Gentiles and Jews, that their faith may be displayed through love.

Acts 15.6-12 - He Got Game

As we have a mediator in Christ so we also have the opportunity to be peacemakers between aggrieved parties. The goal of mediation is not a ceasing of conflict, but to bring God’s truth and peace into a hurting relationship. When mediation is done well, unity and restoration occur.

Acts 15.1-6 - Fight the Power

The following chapters demonstrate a series of conflicts between Paul and the Judaizers. This group of Judeo-Christians believe that it was necessary to follow the Levitical law in order to be saved. Paul and Barnabas clearly have trouble with this theology and mission approach and bring their conflict to Jerusalem.

Isaiah 53 - The One

600 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied the coming of Messiah, who would be born, suffer, die, and be raised again in order to remove the iniquities of all peoples. We can now look on that prophecy with open eyes and see the fulfillment in Jesus and the power of this truth in our lives as well.

Isaiah 52.7-12 - The Promised One

When the King returns there is great shouting from those who see his approach. From the watchman on the wall, to those who gather outside the city, a celebration is commanded for the Lord approaches. Isaiah both prophecies and commands that we respond to this Good news with a vocal outcry, sincere joy, and holy life.

Acts 14.19-28 - And the Beat Goes On

I wonder if Paul appreciates the irony of being pursued by religious Jews seeking to put an end to this heresy of Christ and attempting to find ways to stone him. Even though the zealousness may be a match, Paul’s efforts were nowhere near as virulent or manipulative. What will Paul do when faced with his antithesis?

Acts 14.8-18 - The Gambler II

After suffering persecution in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas travel to the city of Lystra. There is no synagogue here, but a collection of Romans and native Lyconians. What starts out as a normal miracle/message combination turns into a tense moment of well-meaning idolatry and the eventual stoning of Paul.

Acts 14.1-7 - The Gambler 1

Hardship and persecution brings about many questions, the chief among them being: when do I endure and when do I remove myself from the situation. Though each one unique, the missionaries Paul and Barnabas find themselves in a life-threatening situation and must choose when to endure and when to flee.

Acts 13.42-52 - Hey Jealousy

Invited back for another speech, Paul and Barnabas find themselves embroiled in a plot born of jealousy. Certain Jews don’t take kindly to this invasion of Gentiles into the synagogue and work their connections to cast the missionaries out of the city. But the Gospel is greater, and rejoicing follows instead of mourning.

Acts 13.13-42 - History Lesson

The journey continues as they reach the mainland city of Perga in modern day Turkey, Paul and Barnabas are asked to expound on their preaching in the local synagogue. Paul preaches on the history between the Jewish people and God as He continuously worked through them for the salvation of the world.

Acts 13.1-13 - Millennium of the Blind

Paul and Barnabas begin their first missionary journey. Singled out by the Holy Spirit for the work of proclaiming Christ to all peoples, they make their way to the island of Cyprus. With their first journey comes their first obstacle, a false prophet seeking to lead others astray from the faith. How will Paul respond?

Acts 12.1-25 - Justice After All

Though the church increases so does persecution. James the brother of John will be educated, Peter will be jailed, and Herod will be hailed as a hero. That is until his own timely demise. This chapter of Acts still raises the question, why should James die while Peter live? Where is God’s justice after all?

Acts 11.19-30 - The A-Team

The effects of both Pentecost and the following persecution are still active as the those who returned to Syria find themselves preaching the Gospel as far as Antioch. The 3rd largest Roman city of its time, Antioch becomes a hub of cross-cultural Christianity, a starting ground for the ministry of Barnabas and Paul .

Acts 10.1-11.18 - Eat It

Miracles seem like an everyday commonplace occurrence in the Bible. But considering the length of time that the Bible covers we can see how rare these events are. That’s kind of the point,, miracles are meant to be powerful and unique events that point to the power and glory of God while verifying the prophet’s message

Acts 9.31-43 - Waiting on a Miracle

I AM... The True Vine

As Jesus prepares His disciples for His death, resurrection, and even ascension we arrive at the final I AM of the Gospel of John. Jesus is the source and sustainer of life, He not only keeps us in this life, but prepares us for the next by creating fruitfulness of us as we glorify God.

I AM... The Way, The Truth, and The Life

John gives us the most detailed account of the last supper. Here Christ declares He is going to the Father and that the apostles know the way. The way to the Father is through Christ alone, there is no other. Life comes from the life giver, truth from the truth-teller, and the way to Father is through the Son.

I AM... The Good Shepherd

The Good shepherd sees his sheep not only as a means of income, but as a possession granted by God for which he is responsible. He names them, defends them from thieves and robbers, and is willing to put their own well-being above his own. Christ is our Good Shepherd, in these ways and more.

I AM... The Door

In a mix of metaphors Christ describes Himself as the relational shepherd, the door to salvation, and the sacrificial shepherd. This week we will focus on the Door, the means to relationship with God through faith in Christ. He not only saves us, but guards us against those who seek to take advantage of the sheep.

I AM... The Light of the World

John opens his Gospel with an acknowledgement that Jesus is the Light of the World, which is the life of men, of which the darkness cannot overcome. Jesus is the Light of the World, shining before us as a means to salvation, life eternal, if we would allow Him to shine in and through us.

I AM... The Bread of Life

There are 7 I Am statements of Jesus Christ found in the book of John. The first is found in John 6 where Christ says that He is the Bread of Life, referencing the manna given in the wilderness and presenting a better bread, one that will welcome them into the kingdom of heaven.

Acts 9.20-30 - Burdens of the Past

God’s redemptive work is transformative, being brought to life in Christ. Moving from death into life is challenging, especially when the past follows along with us. God uses this past not to define us, but to refine us, making us that much more effective in His work through us, to encourage and uplift one another.

Acts 9.10-19 - Dream Brother

Jesus commands Ananias, a faithful Jewish believer living in Damascus, to fulfill the calling of every disciple: to love our enemies. Specifically in this case: to find this persecutor named Saul, who was wreaking devastation upon the church and welcome him into the family of God.

Brian Dennis - Matthew 20.1-16 - Laborers in the Vineyard

Have you ever had to agree to make a sacrifice for something you wanted? And after you acquired that "something", you were satisfied, even though you had to give up something else for it? That was until you saw someone else acquire the exact same "something" without having to sacrifice anything at all. Did you resent that person or the one from whom you had made your agreement to give up something in exchange for it?

Acts 9.1-9 - Time to Change

A life-changing moment is one that not only impacts our future, but changes the way we think and process information. Paul turns from the most virulent opponent of Jesus to His most zealous follower. From a Pharisee of Pharisees to a man who recognizes his sin and his Savior.

Acts 8.26-40 - Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Not only is the Gospel breaking through the prejudice boundaries of Jews and Samaritans, but it is now reaching out into the world. A proselyte, a gentiles converted to Judaism, hears the Word of God through Philip and through the obedience of one, comes the salvation of the other.

Acts 8.4-25 - Do You Believe In Magic?

Persecution has driven the many follows of “The Way” out of Jerusalem and back into their homelands. Philip feels compelled to go to Samaria and speak the Gopsel to the “cousins” of Israel. But as the gospel breaks into other cultures is must face their regional folklore, religious backgrounds, and spiritual assumptions.

Acts 7.54-8.3 - Cast the First Stone

Stephen’s speech does not inspire a transformative belief in the masses, but an offended anger that cannot and will not bear the truth. This is a major turn in the church’s momentum as the first martyr dies while enwrapped in a vision of heaven. But even this great suffering and death brings greater purpose.

Acts 6.8-7.53 - Protect Ya Neck

With the apostles becoming essentially untouchable, the Sanhedrin because of fear of the crowds, they set their eyes on the newly elected Stephen. Arresting him while preaching the Good News, they drag Stephen to court, bring accusations similar to Christ against Him and demand he defend himself.

Isaiah 41 - Fearfully Fearless - Joshua Timari

God speaks and His voice shakes the world. Nations fall, people collapse in fear, even nature bows down to His words. Yet He lifts up the heads of His people, encouraging and comforting them, allowing this power to stand as a testimony of His ability to care for His peoples.

Acts 6.1-6 - Serve the Servants

Although not deacons themselves, the proto-deacon is seen here in Acts out of necessity. Cultural differences begin to threaten the church as an issue over feeding widows takes the headlines. The Apostles allow the church to appoint 7 men to solve issues like this an introduce us to the first martyr: Stephen.

Acts 5.12-42 - Angry Again

As the church continues to grow so does the resentment of the Sanhedrin at refusal of the Apostles to stop talking about Jesus as Messiah. Again the Apostles are arrested, but a miraculous jail-break and a voice of reason will bring a temporary reprieve from the persecution of the Pharisees.

Acts 4.32-5.11 - Over My Dead Body

As the church begins to suffer the first pangs of persecution, they turn to prayer to God for boldness. But troubles don’t just come from without, the first effects of human sin begin affecting the church from within, as pride, greed, and hypocrisy now find opportunity to poison the church.

Acts 4.23-31 - Public Service Announcement

After the initial pangs of persecution have cast themselves upon the disciples they immediately return to the church. Instead of being me with anger, fear, or outright panic from the many threats of the Sanhedrin, they turn to God and pray. Not for safety, but for boldness to declare the Gospel.

Acts 4.1-22 - I Won't Back Down

The healing of a man born lame has created an environment of excitement in the Temple that has allowed Peter a Gospel-centered sermon of repentance. We now see the fruit of such work, not just an increase in believers, but the beginning pangs of persecution. Uncomfortable truth leads to acceptance or rejection.

Acts 3.17-16 - In Case You Didn't Know

Common sense isn’t common. Every persons experience, knowledge, and thinking is unique to that individual; Yet each of us has experienced the majesty of creation, the emotional spectrum of humanity, the pain of being sinned against or sinning against another. These commonalities bring us closer to understanding God.

Acts 3.1-16 - Stand and Deliver

Miracles are present in the New Testament to grasp the attention of others. Our lives are full of the daily mundane that we often lose sight of the miraculous work around us. A miracle occurs in this text, not for the sake of the lame man, Peter, or John, but that others may pause and take to heart the word of God unto salvation.

Acts 2.43-47 - This is How We Do It Again

The 4 tenants of church life are Doctrine, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer. We now see the fruits of that church life display itself in many ways among the people of Jerusalem. There is generosity, joy, kindness, and many other fruitful displays of lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and the glory of God.

Acts 2.42 - Join Together

After the events of Pentecost the church begins to find its footing. The beginnings of the church look very much like todays church: they dedicated themselves to four major actions: Doctrine, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer. In this way the church begins to fulfill her mission: glory to God.

Acts 2.37-41 - I Love You 3000

Peter’s words and the Holy Spirit pierce the hearts of those who hear and they cry out, “What shall we do?”. Seeing their depravity and recognizing their need, they yearn for the Good News. Peter directs them towards repentance, baptism, and ultimately the truth of Jesus Christ and the way to salvation He made for us.

Acts 2.22-36 - Testify

The testimony of many witnesses declare the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power to save, to transform, to restore relationship with God. Now we testify of our redeemer, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May we declare the truth of our salvation, that others may know, believe, and be saved.

Acts 2.1-21 - In Any Tongue

The power promised now comes upon the disciples that they begin the church and the ministry of bearing witness to the ends of the earth. It begins in Jerusalem, where God has gathered many of His people from all over Rome to the Feast of First Fruits; that they may hear, know, and bear witness even further.

Acts 1.12-26 - I Choose You

With the death of Judas the number of Apostles has fallen to 11. In order to complete the number to 12 they must select another. A list of requirements and a practice of faith in God reveals Matthias. Where sovereignty and responsibility meet, is walking in the steps of faith.

Acts 1.9-11 - Head in the Clouds

The risen Lord rises even further, into the clouds and the very presence of God. As the people of God who benefit from the ministrations of Jesus, we long for His presence. Yet it is by His own words that’s He must leave in order for the Spirit to come, and for our lives to be made new.

Acts 1.4-8 - Edge of the World

The book of Acts is the history of the Christian church and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a book that highlights the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament and the effects of the New Covenant taking hold. It is also, primarily, the inspired Word of God, useful for our daily sanctification.

Acts 1.1-3 - And... Action